I have competed in this race for a few years, so it is a great resource for me to see how my training goes each year. Last year I ran the race in 25’59”, this year I was hoping to do better than 26’00”. Let’s see what happened…

Swag and PreRace
In the packet pickup bag you get, a long sleeve shirt and a winter headband. This was great and the first time I’ve been to a race that provided a headband. A lot of people choose to wear them for the race along with the race shirt. There was not much else in the bag besides a few flyers for sport doctors and therapy, it was a race sponsored by a local medical branch after all. The race staff were all very friendly and had done a great job of keeping things in order before, during, and after the race.

Course
Last year they said they were going to change the course, however with the race being run by different people this year, the course stayed the same. I liked that they didn’t change the course as it gave me a way to compare my past efforts with this year. The course itself starts on a road and the loops into a paved running/biking path for the majority of the race. The course itself isn’t overly hilly but there are a few long hills to go up, with one of them being right near the end, they aren’t difficult but will slow your pace down. There is only one aid station just a little after mile 1, but there is a lot of food and drink setup at the finish line. Since the race is on a paved walking path that is opened year round, you can practice the actual race course as often as you want.

Verdict
With a primarily flat course, great signage, and the chance to win a turkey, this is a great race for runners of all levels. As for my time, I hit 24’40” and came in second in my age group! This year they did a fantastic job of getting results compiled and starting the medal ceremony very soon after the 5K ended. This is a perfect race for anyone wanting to do a turkey trot but doesn’t want to get up early or race on Thanksgiving day.

Race Day Gear:
Headphones: Aftershockz
https://aftershokz.com/collections/wireless/products/trekz-titanium

Race Shirt: RADrabbit ez tee rabbitKNIT
https://www.runinrabbit.com/collections/mens/products/ez-tee-rabbitknit-irongate

Shorts: rabbit Daisy Dukes
https://www.runinrabbit.com/collections/mens/products/daisy-dukes-2-irongate

Socks: rabbit/Swiftwick
https://www.runinrabbit.com/collections/goodies/products/rabbit-x-swiftwick-ankle-socks-ink-puffins
Shoes: Brooks Ghost 10
https://www.brooksrunning.com/en_us/brooks-ghost-10-mens-running-shoes/110257.html
Arm Sleeves: rabbit mister miller’s
https://www.runinrabbit.com/collections/mens/products/mister-millers-arm-sleeves-black
Calf Sleeves: 2XU

Post Race Gear:
Shirt: RADrabbit ez tee ringer
https://www.runinrabbit.com/products/ez-tee-ringer-eclipse
Hat: NYC rabbit
https://www.runinrabbit.com/collections/hats/products/nyc-reversible-performance-beanie